Iowa Candy Factory Shuts Down, Taking More Than 250 Jobs With It

Photo: MGN Online. Iowa Candy Factory Shuts Down Taking More Than 250 Jobs with It

October 05, 2017 09:07 AM

CRESTON, Iowa (AP) - A southern Iowa candy factory is closing its doors, taking more than 250 jobs from the area.

The Des Moines Register reports Ferrara Candy Company announced Wednesday it would close its unionized Creston plant sometime in December. The company makes well-known candy brands, including Brachs, RedHots, Jujyfruits, Lemonheads and Trolli Gummi candies.

The plant has operated in Creston for more than 30 years.

The company says in a statement that it would offer severance pay and transition assistance to its Iowa employees. The factory, which sits on the southeast side of town, is one of the largest employers in Creston, a town of roughly 7,800.

Creston Mayor Gary Lybarger says the news came as a surprise to the community.